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How to Spot a Con Artist

Secrets, lies and tricks are tactics many con artists use to manipulate people to get what they want, oftentimes destroying their victim's lives forever. Con artists gain a persons confidence so they can have easy access to the victim's money, trust and friendship. To avoid being fooled by a con artists look out for the following warning signs:

Blending In

Effective con artists must disguise their true motives. They try hard to look and talk like others in the community and quickly get to know a lot of people.

Talking the Talk

Con artists learn vocabulary so they sound knowledgeable in the subject they are talking about.

Dressing for Success

Con artists want others to believe that they are regular folks, but they work hard to come across as smooth, professional and successful.

Bringing out the Worst in You

Con artists often expose your negative traits such as greed, fear and insecurity. They know that big promises with no risk get people's attention. They also try and make you feel inadequate if you don't believe what they are telling you, or are asking too many questions.

Fair-Weather Friends

At the beginning, con artists are very friendly and take a personal interest in you. After they get what they want, con artists minimize their contact with you.

Moving Frequently

Even the best con artists can only play the part for so long before people become suspicious of their behaviors and motives.

To ensure that you never fall victim to the scam of a con artist, don't trust a person too easily. Always do your homework and investigate a person and the claims he/she is making before giving him/her your money or signing a contract. If you fear you may be dealing with a con, stop speaking with the person and do not give him/her any personal information.